Participated in training camp with the Miami Heat in 2002. Appeared in three games with the Heat in 2001-02, averaging 1.0 points and 2.0 rebounds. Spent most of the season on the injured list. Played briefly with the Kansas City Knights in the ABA in 2000-01, averaging 4.3 points and 2.7 rebounds in six games. Selected by the Miami Heat in the second round of the 2000 NBA Draft. Has also played with the Harlem Globetrotters.

Early entry candidate for the 2000 NBA Draft. Had originally signed to play at Iowa State after junior college before deciding to turn professional. Started collegiate career at Mesa Community College in Arizona for one season, before moving onto Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, IA.

As a sophomore at Indian Hills CC, averaged 12.0 points and 6.9 rebounds. Started at center for a team that finished 28-5 overall. Was considered the top junior college center in the country by many recruiting analysts. Played on the same team as fellow 2000 NBA Draft pick Corey Hightower.

As a freshman at Mesa CC, averaged 22.7 points and 15.3 rebounds. Shot .784 from the field and averaged 5.8 blocked shots. Led conference in scoring, rebounding, and blocks. Led nation in rebounding and field goal percentage. Was named NJCAA District 1 Player of the Year and garnered NJCAA First Team All-American honors.

The deal was officially Monday except that the reported one-on-one trade with Ginebras Sunday Salvacion is not the one happening. Instead, Ginebra, in getting Valenzuela, has agreed to let go of its equally valuable second round pick for the 2009 and first round pick for the 2010 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rookie Draft.